Push the joint fully together before turning the lock.
In short: engage, turn to the specified stop, check the faces and fit the plug. Do not overtighten.
If a cam spins without catching, separate the panels and return the mechanism to its start position as described in the manual. Check that the pin is present and both panels have the correct orientation.
If the joint remains open, inspect the floor level, tongue-and-groove edges and trapped material. Sealant cannot correct a mechanical gap.
How the mechanism pulls panels together
Slide the tongue of one panel into the groove of its neighbour so the profiles seat fully, then insert the hex key through the access port and turn. The cam rotates, catches the pin, and draws the two panels tightly together — simultaneously closing the foam cores so there is no cold bridge, and compressing the pre-applied gasket into an airtight seal. No glue or screws hold the structure; the cam-locks do.
The two rules that govern every joint
- Seat before you lock. The tongue should enter the groove with only gentle pressure. If it resists, stop and clear the groove — the cam supplies the pulling force, not your shoulder.
- Lock until firm, not until it stops. Turn the cam until you feel a definite increase in resistance, then stop. Under-turning leaves the gasket uncompressed; over-torquing can strip the mechanism. Test by trying to shift the panels relative to each other — there should be no play.
Quick troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Tongue won't seat | Debris in groove, or panels misaligned | Clear the groove, re-check alignment — never force |
| Cam turns with no resistance | Pin not captured / panels not seated | Re-seat the tongue fully, then re-engage |
| Visible gap after locking | Under-turned cam or unseated joint | Loosen, re-seat, lock until firm |
| Cam spins freely / strips | Over-torqued mechanism | Replace the cam-lock; do not over-tighten |
A correctly engaged joint shows flush skins, a compressed gasket, and no play between panels. Carry this test into every stage of the build.
Related articles
- Assembly process: overview, tools & sequence
- Installing floor and wall panels
- Installing the ceiling
- Panel specifications
- Common installation mistakes
This guide reflects the MTH Algor cam-lock panel system supplied by Frostbox. Panel and door installation manuals are available on request. For installation support, contact [email protected].
